Each one of us has a quality or strength that makes us powerful in our own way. Today, before walking into any room think of a strength you carry that makes you uniquely you. It can be your compassion, kindness, drive, ability to listen, organize or inspire others. Your past experiences have shaped you into the incredible person you are. Believe in the power inside you and share it with others to help them build and find the power inside themselves.

Happy Fat Tuesday! Today’s post is inspired by the fabulous people that take my fitness classes and the beautiful 78 degree, sunny weather I am getting to enjoy in AZ. I woke up to a text from a friend looking for smoothie recipes. I shared some recipes I have posted here and my basic favorite ingredients I keep on hand. Once I arrived to teach my classes, I had several people tell me it was Fat Tuesday. I did not think to include any special music in my classes to celebrate, but we drummed and danced our hearts out, so good way to start the day none the less. I came home looking for a way to mark the day and celebrate in some small way. I already had chili in the crockpot so (thank you meal prep Sunday) making a Cajun inspired dinner was not going to happen. Then it hit me, why not make a smoothie. I went through my fridge and realized a fruity, hurricane inspired smoothie to enjoy outside while I write this post was the ticket! Wanting to keep the carbs and sugar low, I used one of my favorite hacks, tea in place of juice for the liquid. I have to say, I love how refreshing and light it turned out. This will be making many comebacks by the pool.

Ingredients:

Pomegranate White Tea (or passion fruit tea)

Fresh squeezed juice from 2 oranges

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1 container Key Lime flavored coconut yogurt

1/2 lime juiced

Place all ingredients in blender and mix well. Add ice if needed.

To make this taste like a more authentic Hurricane you can add rum extract or just add some rum. Relax and Enjoy

If you are following a Keto diet or are Intermittent Fasting, this Vegan version of Bullet Proof/Butter Coffee can be your delicious start to the day. The healthy fat from coconut oil and coconut milk will keep you full and in your fat burning zone. The cinnamon helps regulate your blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Perfect cup of love to take on the go with no dairy and added health benefits.

Brewed Coffee

Coconut Oil

Coconut Milk (canned/full fat)

Cinnamon

Stevia (optional)

Blend together in blender or use an immersion blender until milk is nice and frothy.

Bulletproof coffee calls for pretty high concentration of fat from oil and butter. For me I find 1tsp of coconut oil and 1tbsp of full fat coconut milk is enough to tide me over and give me the energy I need for my morning classes. You may need to add more depending on your needs. I also use Ceylon Cinnamon but you can use regular cinnamon as well. Whip up a cup and enjoy.

Here we are, another Tuesday. While I am usually about celebrating Taco Tuesday, I decided to mix it up today and try something new. I had some fluffy gluten-free buns on hand, beans I meal-prepped in the fridge, and an empty belly from teaching Zumba. So here it is, Mixed Bean Torta’s with Vegan Sour Cream.